The University hosted an informal Q-and-A session in the Mills International Center last Friday to discuss with University community members about proposed legislation that would enable the University’s Department of Public Safety to become a sworn police agency.
The legislation in question, State Bills 116 and 405, is currently being discussed in the Oregon State Senate. The bills vary slightly, but if passed, both would allow for the State Board of Higher Education to authorize Oregon University System universities under board control to establish university police departments on their respective campuses. However, both DPS Chief Doug Tripp and University Vice President for Finance and Administration Frances Dyke have vocalized their support for forming a sworn agency on campus if either bill is passed. The University has also drafted a Campus Policing Initiative.
If DPS officers were to become sworn under SB 116 and SB 405, they would have to undergo training identical to all other Oregon Police departments. At the same time, these new sworn officers would likely be given greater arresting and jurisdictional powers, be allowed to conduct investigations independently of Eugene police and be authorized to carry firearms and Tasers with proper training.
The event, “Coffee With the Chief,” primarily centered around a few desks and tables that were set up across from the free food and beverages where students, faculty and community members could have their questions answered by DPS officers and other University administration officials.
Assistant DPS Chief Carolyn McDermed said she felt that this kind of setup would encourage people to be more open and not be afraid to ask questions.
Reactions from attendees of the event were mixed. Sylvia Groshong, an employee within the University’s Business Affairs office, said she had some concerns about a possible DPS transition when she first came into the session, but left confident that DPS should become a sworn agency and that it could do so responsibly.
“I had some major concerns coming in here today, but the more I think about, it just makes sense,” Groshong said. “I had some concerns, but it was really just because I didn’t have all of the information.”
Kim Wylie, also an employee in the Business Affairs office, agreed with Groshong, but said she had been in support of the transition prior to coming to the meeting.
“I realize that there are other reasons behind moving towards a sworn police agency then just getting guns,” Wylie said. “There’s a lot more to it than just that.”
Others, like University student Thomas Walker, said he appreciated the chance to speak with DPS personnel face to face on the topic, but still didn’t support a potential transition to sworn agency because of his lack of trust in the Eugene Police Department.
“I have some safety concerns because of the Eugene Police Department and their use of force, and that there may be chance of that spreading on to campus,” Walker said, “There was a riot and they shot tear gas, and last year they Tasered an international student.”
DPS Chief Tripp said he felt that Friday’s event was beneficial because it allowed DPS to engage the community on the issue of a transition to sworn officers on campus.
Another event, a town hall-style affair that will also address SB 116 and SB 405, will be held by the University in the EMU Fir Room this Wednesday at 3 p.m.
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Q&A session on possible DPS transition allows public to speak of their uncertainties
Daily Emerald
January 29, 2011
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